April 01, 2020

This article was originally published by the Alabama Department of Insurance on March 23, 2020

03/23/2020 Updated: The Alabama Department of Insurance is actively engaged with our health insurance industry to ensure appropriate protections are being implemented in response to the spread of the Coronavirus. The Department has compiled the following information from health insurance issuers providing coverage in Alabama. Please click on the links provided for full details regarding the policies of each issuer.

AETNA

Will Aetna cover the cost of COVID-19 testing for members?  Aetna will waive co-pays for all diagnostic testing related to COVID-19. This policy will cover the cost of physician-ordered testing for patients who meet CDC guidelines, which can be done in any approved laboratory location. Aetna will waive the member costs associated with diagnostic testing at any authorized location for all Commercial, Medicare and Medicaid lines of business. Self-insured plan sponsors will be able to opt-out of this program at their discretion.

What else is CVS HEALTH doing to support Aetna members?

Effective immediately, Aetna members will have access to the following resources:

• For the next 90 days, until June 4, 2020, Aetna will offer zero co-pay telemedicine visits – for any reason. Aetna members should use telemedicine as their first line of defense in order to limit potential exposure in physician offices. Cost sharing will be waived for all virtual visits through the Aetna-covered Teladoc® offerings and in-network providers delivering synchronous virtual care (live video-conferencing) for all Commercial plan designs. Self-insured plan sponsors will be able to opt-out of this program at their discretion.

• Aetna is offering 90-day maintenance medication prescriptions for insured and Medicare members. It is also working with state governments to make the same option available to Medicaid members where allowable. Self-funded plan sponsors will also be able to offer this option.

• Aetna is also waiving early refill limits on 30-day prescription maintenance medications for all members with pharmacy benefits administered through CVS Caremark.

• Through Aetna’s Healing Better program, members who are diagnosed with COVID-19 will receive a care package containing CVS items to help relieve symptoms. The package will also include personal and household cleaning supplies to help keep others in the home protected from potential exposure.

• Through existing care management programs, Aetna will proactively reach out to members most at-risk for COVID-19. Care managers will walk members through what they can do to protect themselves, where to get information on the virus, and where to go to get tested.

• Aetna is also offering its Medicare Advantage brief virtual check-in and remote evaluation benefits to all Aetna Commercial members and waiving the co-pay. These offerings will empower members with questions or concerns that are unrelated to a recent office visit and do not need immediate in-person follow-up care to engage with providers without the concern of sitting in a physician’s office and risking potential exposure to COVID-19.

• Beginning immediately, CVS Pharmacy will waive charges for home delivery of prescription medications. With the CDC encouraging people at higher risk for COVID-19 complications to stay at home as much as possible, this is a convenient option to avoid coming to the pharmacy for refills or new prescriptions.

BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD ALABAMA

Testing and Treatments:

• BCBS of Alabama will pay for the COVID-19 testing and for medically necessary treatments that your healthcare provider orders.

• The treatments and testing do not require prior approval from BCBS.

• There will be no co-pays or co-insurance payments for testing for those in Blue Cross underwritten plans, including small business and individual plans.

• For those in self-funded plans, the terms of the health plan will determine whether there is or the amount of a co-pay.

Prescription Flexibility:

• BCBS of Alabama will allow for early refills of prescriptions so that members can be sure they have a sufficient supply of their medication in the event they choose social distancing.

• Where available as part of their plan, members can also use mail-order options for their prescriptions to avoid visiting the pharmacy.

• To the extent that early refills creates a shortage of particular medications, BCBS will allow flexible substitution of other effective treatments at no additional cost to the member.

Enhanced Telemedicine Options:

• For the next 30 days, BCBS of Alabama will allow all of its network physicians and their care extenders such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants to evaluate their patients over the telephone and be reimbursed for that “visit.”

• Waiving co-pays on all telehealth services- whether related to COVID-19 or not.

• The program will be reviewed at the end of 30 days to determine if it should continue or should be modified.

BRIGHT HEALTH

No-Cost COVID-19 Diagnostic Test:

• The COVID-19 diagnostic test and associated office visit is now covered as preventive care, at no cost to our members, regardless of network.

Early medication refills:

• We are authorizing early medication refills for members who might be impacted by the outbreak. To get your medication refilled early, contact your pharmacist and ask them to request approval for early refills through Bright Health’s pharmacy help line:

Medicare Advantage: 833-665-5346

Individual & Family Plans: 833-661-1988

Transportation:

• We are making non-emergency transportation available to all members. We are also waiving ride limits for non-emergency visits to and from your doctor.

Telehealth:

• All telehealth services (online and virtual care) obtained in connection with COVID-19 testing and diagnosis is now covered, at no cost to our members.

CIGNA

• Waives customer cost-sharing for office visits related to COVID-19 testing through May 31, 2020.

• Waives customer cost-sharing for telehealth screenings for COVID-19 through May 31, 2020.

• Makes it easier for customers to be treated virtually for routine medical examinations by in-network physicians.

• Provides free home delivery of up to 90-day supplies for Rx maintenance medications available through the Express Scripts Pharmacy and 24/7 access to pharmacists.

• Offers supportive resources for customers, clients and communities for managing anxiety and improving resiliency.

• Cigna will cover the diagnostic test with no cost-sharing when recommended by a health care professional. Effective immediately, Cigna will waive customers' out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 testing-related visits with in-network providers, whether at a doctor's office, urgent care clinic, emergency room or via telehealth, through May 31, 2020. This enhanced insurance coverage includes customers in the United States who are covered under Cigna employer/union sponsored group insurance plans, globally mobile plans, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid and the Individual and Family plans. Employers and other entities that sponsor self-insured plans administered by Cigna will be given the opportunity to adopt a similar coverage policy.

• Cigna is also making it easier for customers with immunosuppression, chronic conditions or who are experiencing transportation challenges to be treated virtually by in-network physicians with those capabilities. Cigna is implementing this enhanced measure through May 31, 2020, to protect its most vulnerable customers by mitigating exposure risks and alleviating transportation barriers.

• Customers can have peace of mind with their prescription medications by using the Express Scripts Pharmacy, which offers free home delivery of up to 90-day supplies of prescription maintenance medications. Pharmacists are available 24/7 to answer questions, offer counseling and support, and assist with prescription orders. Customers are encouraged to refill their medications responsibly.

• Cigna is also providing free resources for all customers, clients and communities to support them during these times of high stress and anxiety. The company has opened a 24-hour toll-free help line (1-866-912-1687) to connect people directly with qualified clinicians who can provide support and guidance. Additionally, the company will offer a webinar to the general public raising awareness about tools and techniques for stress management and building resiliency, along with the ability to join telephonic mindfulness sessions. More Information can be found at www.cigna.com.

• Procedure codes for health care providers are expected to be available April 1, 2020. Cigna is standing up a 24/7 customer resource center specifically dedicated to help customers with any administrative barriers related to coronavirus-related claims.

HUMANA

• Humana will waive out-of-pocket costs associated with testing for COVID-19 for patients who meet CDC guidelines at approved laboratory locations. This will apply to Humana’s Medicare Advantage, Medicaid and commercial employer-sponsored plans. Self-insured plan sponsors will be able to opt-out of the program at their discretion. The CDC continues to offer free testing for coronavirus.

• The company is also announcing the following resources for its members:

► Telemedicine costs waived for all urgent care needs for next 90 days – To help reduce the risk of infection and spread of disease, Humana is encouraging members to use telemedicine (e.g., video chat) as a first line of defense for all urgent care needs. The company will waive costs for telemedicine visits for urgent care needs for the next 90 days. This will apply to Humana’s Medicare Advantage, Medicaid and commercial employer-sponsored plans and is limited to in-network providers delivering synchronous virtual care (live video-conferencing). Self-insured plan sponsors will be able to opt-out of the program at their discretion. Humana is working closely with federal agencies to understand the impacts of both telemedicine and the coronavirus test on High Deductible Health Plans and Health Savings Accounts.

► Early prescription refills allowed for next 30 days – The company is allowing early refills on prescription medicines so members can prepare for extended supply needs—an extra 30- or 90-day supply as appropriate.

• Member support line available – Humana has trained a specialized group of call center employees to help support members with specific coronavirus questions and concerns, including live assistance with telemedicine. Members can call Humana’s toll-free customer support line, which can be found on the back of their member I.D. card, to be connected to this dedicated team of professionals.

UNITED HEALTHCARE

Actions to Support Members, Patients and the Community

• Individuals who feel like they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should immediately contact their primary care provider for guidance. Advance telephone calls are highly recommended to ensure safe and proper patient handling.

• As previously communicated, UnitedHealthcare has waived all member cost sharing, including copays, coinsurance and deductibles, for COVID-19 diagnostic testing provided at approved locations in accordance with CDC guidelines for all commercial insured, Medicaid and Medicare members. UnitedHealthcare is also supporting self-insured customers choosing to implement similar actions.

• Optum’s Emotional-Support Help Line is available to support anyone who may be experiencing anxiety or stress following the recent developments around COVID-19. The free service can be reached at (866) 342-6892, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is open to all. In addition, emotional-support resources and information are available online at www.liveandworkwell.com.

• Eligible UnitedHealthcare and OptumRx members needing help obtaining an early prescription refill can call the customer care number located on the back of their medical ID card for assistance.

• Health plan members are encouraged to use UnitedHealthcare’s Virtual Visit capability, available through the UnitedHealthcare app, to help answer any general questions or concerns they might have.

VIVA HEALTH (Commercial-Fully-Insured, Self-Insured)

• Testing. 100% coverage of FDA-approved lab testing from a participating/in-network reference lab (LabCorp or Quest) as well as the Alabama Department of Public Health in accordance with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines on all plans. No deductible, copayment, or coinsurance will apply to the lab test for any Viva Health plan and prior authorization from Viva Health is not required. For most Viva Health plans, there will also be no cost-sharing for an in-network office visit, urgent care center visit, or emergency department visit related to COVID-19 testing, although some employers may choose to apply this cost-sharing on their self-funded plans.

• Telehealth. Members can have telehealth visits from any location with any network provider who offers them though their local office. Members will not have a copayment for telehealth visits with their local provider for the next 30 days. Some employer plans also include telehealth visits through Teladoc or other vendors. Members with this Teladoc coverage through Viva Health can also access this benefit with no copayment for the next 30 days.

• Prescription refills. On plans that include prescription drug coverage through Viva Health, members can get early refills of their maintenance medications if needed. Members are encouraged to secure a 90-day supply of non-specialty maintenance medications. Home delivery from our mail-order pharmacy is available on all plans for most medications.

• Treatment. If a member tests positive for the virus, treatment will be covered just as treatment for other illnesses is covered according to the terms and member cost sharing in your benefit plan. While the lab test and telehealth visits are covered at 100% as described above, applicable cost-sharing for treatment of COVID-19 in office visits, ER visits, urgent care visits and hospital admissions will apply as they do for other illnesses.

VIVA HEALTH (MEDICARE)

As concerns over the spread of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) grow, we want to inform you of the steps Viva Medicare is taking for members to remove barriers to appropriate testing and care effective Friday, March 13, 2020:

• Testing. 100% coverage of FDA-approved lab testing from a participating/in-network reference lab (LabCorp or Quest) as well as the Alabama Department of Public Health in accordance with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines on all plans. No deductible, copayment, or coinsurance will apply to the lab test or to a related in-network office visit, urgent care center visit, or emergency department visit. Prior authorization from Viva Medicare is not required.

• Telehealth. Members can have telehealth visits from any location with any network provider who offers them though their local office. Members will not have a copayment for telehealth visits with their local provider for the next 30 days.

• Prescription refills. On plans that include prescription drug coverage through Viva Health, members can get early refills of their maintenance medications if needed. Members are encouraged to secure a 90-day supply of non-specialty maintenance medications. Home delivery from our mail-order pharmacy is available on all plans for most medications.

• Treatment. If a member tests positive for the virus, treatment will be covered just as treatment for other illnesses is covered according to the terms and member cost sharing in your benefit plan. While the lab test and telehealth visits are covered at 100% as described above, applicable cost-sharing for treatment of COVID-19 in office visits, ER visits, urgent care visits and hospital admissions will apply as they do for other illnesses.

For the most up to date information on COVID-19 developments, please visit the CDC’s website.

MEDICARE

Medicare Covers Related Needs:

• Medicare covers the lab tests for COVID-19. You pay no out-of-pocket costs.

• Medicare covers all medically necessary hospitalizations. This includes if you're diagnosed with COVID-19 and might otherwise have been discharged from the hospital after an inpatient stay, but instead you need to stay in the hospital under quarantine.

• At this time, there's no vaccine for COVID-19. However, if one becomes available, it will be covered by all Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D).

• If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, you have access to these same benefits. Medicare allows these plans to waive cost-sharing for COVID-19 lab tests. Many plans offer additional telehealth benefits beyond the ones described below. Check with your plan about your coverage and costs.

Telehealth & Related Services

Medicare covers “virtual check-ins” so you can connect with your doctor by phone or video, or even an online patient portal, to see whether you need to come in for a visit. If you're concerned about illness and are potentially contagious, this offers you an easy way to remain at home and avoid exposure to others.

• You may be able to communicate with your doctors or certain other practitioners without necessarily going to the doctor’s office in person for a full visit. Medicare pays for “virtual check-ins”— brief, virtual services with your established physician or certain practitioners where the communication isn't related to a medical visit within the previous 7 days and doesn’t lead to a medical visit within the next 24 hours (or soonest appointment available).

• You need to consent verbally to using virtual check-ins and your doctor must document that consent in your medical record before you use this service. You pay your usual Medicare coinsurance and deductible for these services.

• Medicare also pays for you to communicate with your doctors using online patient portals without going to the doctor’s office. Like the virtual check-ins, you must initiate these individual communications.

• If you live in a rural area, you may use communication technology to have full visits with your doctors. The law requires that these visits take place at specified sites of service, known as telehealth originating sites, and get services using a real-time audio and video communication system at the site to communicate with a remotely located doctor or certain other types of practitioners. Medicare pays for many medical visits through this telehealth benefit.

SEIB

• Members of our plans are encouraged to visit our website (www.alseib.org) for updates. You can also follow us on Twitter - @alseib1.

• If you have health-related questions, contact your primary care physician. Our members can also use Teladoc (available for BCBS members) or UHC Virtual Visits (available for Medicare members).

• Medicare Members: Please visit the UnitedHealthcare (UHC) website for UHC's general information about COVID-19 or UHC's frequently asked questions about COVID-19. Please call 866-890-0562 with questions about your UHC coverage.

• Non-Medicare Members: For medical coverage questions, please visit the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama website. Please call 800.824.0435 with questions about your medical coverage.

• For prescription coverage questions, please visit the OptumRx website. Please call 844.785.1604 with questions about your prescription drug coverage.

WELLFLEET - A Berkshire Hathaway Company

Our Student members should know:

• Wellfleet’s fully insured Student Health plans will cover member costs for COVID-19 testing. We’ll waive all co-pays, deductibles and co-insurance. Like a preventive visit, members will have no out-of-pocket costs for testing.

• Wellfleet Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) members, many of whom have left campuses, should contact their student health care centers or visit their school’s page on Wellfleetstudent.com to find a provider. When contacting providers regarding COVID-19, members should advise of recent travel and symptoms, and minimize contact with others.

• If members need treatment for COVID-19, coverage is provided based on their plan’s specific benefits. SHIP members can find their plan information by logging in to their accounts on www.Wellfleetstudent.com. We have waived requirements for student members who typically need to access care or referrals from student health centers. Members can seek testing or treatment for COVID-19 at any local medical facility – including the emergency room, urgent care, and office visits.

• Wellfleet Rx members can continue to contact us at normal business hours, and we are prepared to provide fill-too-soon overrides for members traveling.

• Wellfleet has a dedicated Coronavirus hotline to answer any of your questions: (833) 343­5338. Hours are Monday – Thursday 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM, and Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM.